What is the relationship between milliamperage (mA) and photon quantity?

The relationship between milliamperage (mA) and photon quantity is directly proportional. This means that as the mA setting increases, the number of x-ray photons produced also increases. Milliamperage represents the amount of current flowing through the x-ray tube, which in turn influences the rate at which electrons are emitted from the cathode. A higher mA results in more electrons striking the anode, thereby generating a greater quantity of x-ray photons.

This relationship is crucial in radiography because adjusting the mA affects not only the image exposure but also the overall dose of radiation received by the patient. An understanding of mA and its impact on photon quantity helps radiologic technologists optimize their settings to achieve the desired image quality while minimizing radiation exposure.